Strategic tone set for future of Cessnock LGA

Published on 17 April 2025

Cessnock City Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Community Strategic Plan - Together Cessnock 2040, which sets out a long-term vision for the local government area.

The Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is the highest level strategy that Council prepares as part of its Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. It identifies the community’s main priorities for the future, and is the guiding document for Council’s programs, plans and reports.

The CSP is supported by a four-year Delivery Program (incorporating a 12-month Operational Plan) that outlines actions and projects, and a resourcing strategy (comprising a long term financial plan, asset management strategy and workforce management strategy) that articulates how council will implement and resource the vision of the CSP.

Council’s Operational Plan includes an impressive $70.1 million Capital Works Program for 2025-26, including significant projects such as the Wollombi Road upgrade and development of a new waste cell.

Council team members have been engaging with the community over the past 18 months to develop the strategy, including through online surveys and community pop ups.

Cessnock City Mayor Daniel Watton is encouraging local residents to view the plans and provide their valuable feedback.

"The community has helped shape these documents through hundreds of conversations at pop up sessions over the last 18 months, along with surveys and contributions on digital forums," said Cr Watton.

"The result of this feedback is now on public exhibition, and it is the perfect opportunity to have your voices heard and to ensure we have these plans right."

General Manager Ken Liddell said the success of our community relies heavily on our ability to strategically plan for the future.

"Together Cessnock 2040 provides the framework we require to deliver services and facilities our community needs and expects as we face the challenges of a rapidly growing population," said Mr Liddell.

"This strategic blueprint will guide Council projects, including necessary road and infrastructure works, as we move towards a more sustainable footing."

Residents are encouraged to attend in-person pop up information sessions, which will be taking place over the next month. These sessions will take place at:

  • Cessnock Library on 30 April 2025 between 4.30-6.00pm
  • Branxton IGA on 12 May 2025 between 3.30-5pm
  • Col Brown Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri on 14 May 2025 between 2.30-4pm
  • Information Board at Wollombi on 19 May 2025 between 2.30-4pm

Residents can also provide feedback on theDraft Community Strategic Plan -Together Cessnock 2040 and associated documents by visiting this link.

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